Do you remember where you were on October 6, 2001? Why do I ask? That
was the last time Michigan and Michigan State played ice hockey
outdoors. The contest was at Spartan Stadium, and ended up setting a
world record for the largest crowd ever to watch a hockey game. Billed
as "The Cold War," the Wolverines and Spartans played to a 3-3 tie that
night, a score that's been nearly forgotten underneath the significance
of its surroundings.

I remember where I was, because I was not one of the 74,544 in
attendance that Saturday night. Rather than enjoy a night of hockey
under the stars, I was at the Fox Theater in Detroit, watching Jerry
Seinfeld perform stand-up comedy.

It was a personal "Sophie's Choice" for me, really. I had to decide
between two things I loved: ice hockey (especially college hockey,
which has passion - especially in Ann Arbor - like no other sport) or
the comedic observations of a pop culture icon, doing stand-up for the
first time since his sitcom ended a legendary nine-season run on
television.

I chose Seinfeld largely because I already bought the tickets to
see him. (Plus, I had someone coming from out-of-state to join me. She
probably would've been mad if I said, "Hey, I'm going to a hockey game
instead ..."). My buddy understood. But he's rubbed in it a bit ever
since then. And over the past nine years, I've come to regret the
decision (You probably already guessed that, since I'm writing about
it.)

Sure, Seinfeld was funny. But it's not like I'm telling friends
about the jokes he made nine years later. I passed on a chance to watch
what was then a historic event, fueling what's become a phenomenon in
hockey. Division I hockey teams have now played three times outdoors.
The NHL's Winter Classic is an annual showcase for the sport, creating
a footprint on a day that previously belonged solely to college
football.

Michigan is playing hockey outside again this weekend, skating
against Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. And the game will probably
set another attendance record, with seating capacity around 80,000.
When the match-up was announced, I thought about taking a road trip to
make up for the decision I made nine years ago. Who knew when another
opportunity to see Michigan play outdoor ice hockey would present
itself?

Fortunately, that time is now. Last week, Michigan and Michigan
State announced that they'll duel on an outdoor hockey rink once again,
this time at Michigan Stadium. "The Big Chill at the Big House,"
they're calling it. Save the date: December 11, 2010 at 3 p.m. ET.
In-state rivals. Perennial powers in the CCHA. It'll probably be a good
one.

The rink will be set down right in the middle of the field, with
the red center line running where the 50-yard line goes. Every seat
available for football will presumably be available. (And hey, those
luxury boxes will be ready by then, too. But wouldn't watching the game
outdoors be more fun?) Think another attendance record will be set? As
you know, they seat more than 100,000 at The Big House.

I know one person that will be there. I don't live that far from
Michigan Stadium. And I don't intend on missing another chance like
this. I've carried enough regret for nine years.